5 Tips for Successful PEEK Printing

5 Tips for Successful PEEK Printing

Because of its unique qualities PEEK is widely used and highly desired in many industries such as medicine, aerospace, oil and gas industry and automotive. It is really successful in small-lot production as well as specialist designs and prototypes where metal processing is exceptionally difficult or even impossible. The filament, however is not easy to handle in a printing process.

1. Control the temperature
It is very important to have adequate thermal management and control over the entire build chamber as PEEK does not react well under temperature fluctuations. PEEK is high temperature printing material, therefore it can be printed at very high temperatures from 360°C to 450°even. Bear in mind that bed temperature should be 120°C at minimum.

2. Dry the material
It is a advised, in many cases, to keep PEEK nice and dry before printing. Compared to other materials it does not absorb moisture that much but drying will improve your print performance.

3. Use the optimal device
Compared to other printing materials comparatively few harmful fumes are emitted when printing in PEEK. However, it is best to use a 3D Printer with a closed heated chamber when printing in that filament.

4. Ensure the right surface of build platform
To achieve desired effects when printing in PEEK we also need to remember about a proper build platform material. With many different solutions tried out, PEI sheet is the most recommended.

5. Keep the nozzle clean
When the printing is finished do remember to remove all the material leftover from the nozzle to avoid unwanted blockages and specking.